Quinterius Chappelle, a 24-year-old active-duty airman, has been charged with the second-degree murder of Sahela Sangrait. The incident occurred last year on an Air Force base in western South Dakota. Chappelle was arrested on Friday and is currently being held at the Pennington County Jail without bond. His role as an aircraft inspection journeyman at the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron adds a significant dimension to the case.
Chappelle, who entered military service on April 30, 2019, is stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The nature of his relationship with the victim, Sahela Sangrait, remains unclear. Currently, it is not evident who will provide him with legal representation. The U.S. attorney's office for South Dakota is handling his prosecution. Despite the severity of the charges, Chappelle is reportedly cooperating with the investigation.
The investigation into this case has seen extensive collaboration among several agencies. These include the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit, the FBI, and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Authorities are working together to ensure a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding Sangrait's death.
"This investigation has been an excellent collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in our area." – Pennington County Sheriff's Office
The Air Force has emphasized its commitment to accountability within its ranks.
"We hold airmen accountable for their actions, and if service members are found in violation of military or civilian law, they will be punished." – Col. Derek Oakley